Inflation Reduction Act – Forest Legacy Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To effectively identify and protect environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses, through the use of conservation easements or fee simple purchase. The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) is a voluntary private land conservation partnership between the Forest Service, participating States, land trusts, private landowners, and others. The Program works with State partners and operates on a willing seller and willing buyer basis and is completely nonregulatory in its approach. No eminent domain authority or adverse condemnation is authorized for this Program.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
Projects are evaluated and prioritized by State lead agencies, in consultation with the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committees. All States and territories participate except North Dakota, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
Beneficiaries
- U.S. State Government
- Nonprofit Organization
- Farmer / Rancher / Agriculture Producer
State Agency, Landowners of Private Forest Lands, and Land Trust Organizations
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The Forest Service conducts an annual project selection process to arrive at a prioritized national project list. The Forest Service then issues grants to states based on the amounts provided in Congressional appropriations of Inflation Reduction Act Funds and the prioritized national project list.
An annual project selection calendar with due dates will be developed each fiscal year, and will identify deadlines and approval times.
Program details & compliance
Description
Grant program to preserve eligible lands that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses.
Mission Categories
Primary: Forestry
Other categories:
Forestry
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Landowner participation in the program is voluntary and consists of two components: (1) conveying land or interests in land to achieve land conservation objectives and (2) preparing and periodically updating a Forest Stewardship Management Plan or a multi-resource management plan, when the participation is through conservation easement. State lead agencies must first evaluate and approve projects as Forest Legacy eligible before competing for Forest Service funding.
Restrictions
Project grant funds are used to purchase lands and pay for acquisition-related expenses. These funds cannot be used for general program expenses, indirect costs, or for other project costs outside of the project area of the grant award, except for qualified donations located in other Forest Legacy Areas.
Required Documentation
Each State must prepare a State Forest Action Plan (Statewide Assessment and Resource Strategy, including Assessments of Need (AON)) in order to be eligible for program funds. The Forest Service Region or Institute Responsible Official must concur with the State's Forest Action Plan. Requirements for an eligible project are: (1) within an approved Forest Legacy Area and fits within the priorities of a State's AON; (2) complies with FLP State and National criteria; (3) a completed grant application; (4) an approved Forest Stewardship Plan or a multi-resource management plan, if applicable; (5) negotiated terms of a conservation easement, if applicable; (6) an approved appraisal, meeting Federal acquisition appraisal standards as outlined in the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and, (7) adequate non-Federal cost share.
Matching Requirements
Matching requirements may be waived at the discretion of the Secretary.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements